Follow the UK's example and stop using artificial colorings in cereal bars!

Nutri-Grain bars have been a popular lunch item in my high school since I was a freshman.

So, I was disappointed to discover as a senior that the controversial Red 40 and other artificial colors are common ingredients in Kellogg's products. Artificial food dyes such as Red 40 are made of petroleum and have been associated with adverse behavioral and health effects both in mice and in humans.

However, what surprised me the most was that the UK's version of these bars have replaced these artificial colors with natural ones such as beetroot and paprika extract.

Why should US consumers be allowed to consume products made with these controversial ingredients while those in the UK do not? My friends and I shouldn't have to worry about putting these chemicals in our bodies when natural alternatives are available. Although the debate on Red 40 is still ongoing, it's better for food companies to be safe than sorry by following the UK's example and switching to naturally-derived colorings.

I'm not an expert, but I suspect that Kellogg's, like many US companies, is choosing to use these food dyes because it cuts down on production costs. However, they are reducing corporate costs at the expense of consumer health.

Please sign my petition asking Kellogg's US to stop using artificial colorings in its cereal bars.

Letter to

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain US

Follow the UK's example and stop using artificial colorings in cereal bars!